2026 World Cup: Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan backs Black Stars to navigate challenging group

Asamoah Gyan believes Ghana have the quality and mentality to progress from their 2026 World Cup group despite acknowledging the difficulty of the draw unveiled by FIFA on Friday.

The Black Stars were placed in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, a combination that immediately drew reactions across the football world.

Gyan, Africa’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, described the group as demanding but far from beyond Ghana’s reach. It’s a very tough group.

All four teams want to qualify. Everyone in the country wants to see Ghana qualify, and we will do everything we can to reach the next round.

We are optimistic, he said following the ceremony, stressing that the national team would approach the tournament with determination rather than hesitation.

The draw sets up Ghana’s return to face England in an official competition for the first time since their memorable 2011 meeting at Wembley.

That friendly ended in a 1–1 draw, with Gyan scoring a late equaliser that remains one of the standout moments of his international career.

The historical backdrop adds further intrigue to their opening fixture, which is expected to command significant global attention.

Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 tournament marks their fifth appearance on the world stage, continuing a journey that began in 2006.

Their most successful campaign came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals and came within inches of becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals.

That run remains a source of inspiration for supporters and former players, including Gyan, who often highlights the importance of belief and preparation in major finals.

Beyond Ghana, Africa’s presence at the 2026 World Cup will be extensive, with South Africa, Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia also securing qualification.

The expanded representation reflects the continent’s growing strength and competitiveness, setting the stage for a tournament in which African teams will aim to push further than ever before.

For Ghana, the path forward begins with navigating a group stacked with contrasting styles—England’s structure, Croatia’s experience and Panama’s intensity.

While the challenge is substantial, Gyan’s confidence signals the mood around the Black Stars camp, one of ambition, unity and a belief that Ghana can once again rise to the occasion on football’s greatest platform.